A Child's Place is working to erase the impact of homelessness on children and their education. School can be the only normal part of a homeless child's life; A Child's Place provides services that allow homeless children to focus on learning and homework.
With no permanent residence, homeless children often stop going to school. Without the influence and stability of a classroom environment, these children lose more than a chance to learn. They also lose the crucial sense of belonging gained from interacting with friends and other students. A Child's Place is a collaborative effort between the Charlotte community and CMS.
The number of homeless children in local schools is growing. As of June 30, 2010, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools identified 4,453 homeless children enrolled in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.
Every month, SMPC members donate commercially packaged individual snacks that A Child's Place gives to children in their program. Often when these children leave school, there is nothing to eat until school the next day--so the snacks provide a much needed "meal".
Here's a partial list of snacks that are needed:
| 100% Juice Boxes | Crackers | Goldfish Crackers | |
| Bottled Water | Yogurt Snacks | Raisins | |
| Granola Bars | Fruit Cups | Dried Fruit | |
| Fruit Snacks | Pretzels | Individual Cereal Boxes |
Laurie Schwartz of A Child's Place shares a moment for mission:
Sandi Buchanan, President of the Board of A Child's Place sings "The Prayer"
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